Chapter 359: Testing the Horse (I)
A group of direct descendants discussed for a while and decided to keep Li Tongya's funeral private, only hanging white silk on the mountain. The few direct descendants paid their respects individually before dispersing.
The news of Li Tongya's passing had already been known to a few direct descendants, who had completed their mourning period three years ago. Now, they merely felt a brief moment of sorrow before quickly returning to their respective duties.
Li Xuanxuan stayed at home for a few days, which was a rare opportunity for him to see Li Yuanping every day. He held Li Ximing with a smile, playing with him as he asked gently, "Ming'er, how much have you read from the alchemy books?"
"I can already summon the Pill Flame!" Li Ximing responded happily as he nodded obediently, bringing his hands together to summon a pure white flame. It was as gentle as jade and as cool as water, quietly dancing between his palms.
Li Yuanping happily took Li Ximing in his arms and looked at the smiling Li Xuanxuan, whispering, "Father, since you rarely return, you should stay home for a bit longer. Let the others in the family handle the market affairs..."
"No." Li Xuanxuan's expression immediately turned serious as he replied, "I am old and have long lost my drive. Second Uncle saw this clearly, which was why he sent me to the market."
His usually stern face showed a hint of remorse as he continued softly, "Your granduncle understood well. I am not truly talented at overseeing the family; at best, I am just a caretaker. I had made many mistakes while overseeing the family over those years..."
He sighed with a hint of guilt in his voice as he continued, saying, "Back then, the family had only a few members, and my father died young. My uncles always felt like they owed me, so they left the family's responsibilities on my shoulders."
With a tinge of regret on his face, he added gently, "Xuanling is actually far more capable than myself. Second Uncle's favoritism toward me kept him in the background. Even though my father died young, he was still beloved by the villagers and respected by many."